Dear UTA Faculty, Staff and Students,

I am writing to let you know about the upcoming retirement of Jim Baker, UT Arlington’s director of intercollegiate athletics. Jim is a respected and vital member of the University’s leadership team and has led the unprecedented growth and success of our athletics enterprise for 10 years.

Over his career, Jim worked in higher education at The Ohio State University and the University of Florida, before spending 20 years with the University of Texas Longhorns. He became a Maverick in early 2012, and under his leadership UTA won 22 conference championships and made 12 NCAA tournament appearances.

Among his numerous professional accomplishments, Jim was instrumental in the addition of women’s golf as UTA’s 15^th intercollegiate sport. He led the department’s dedicated focus on community service, which garnered four consecutive annual awards from the Sun Belt Conference. The point-based recognition acknowledges the conference program with the most community service participation from its student-athletes. Most impressively, Jim prioritized the academic performance of UTA student-athletes.

Reflecting on his time at UTA, Jim shared the following:

“It’s amazing how fast the past 10 years have flown by, and participating in the growth of the University has been wonderful. I think the future for athletics and UTA is endless and great things are in store for both. I want to thank the University administration for its support during my tenure here. I also want to thank the coaches and athletic staff for their engagement and assistance. Most importantly, thank you to the student-athletes for making my job incredibly rewarding.”

Jim led UTA Athletics with a continuous focus on achievement on the field of competition, in the classroom and in the community, while also upholding the highest standards of compliance and fiscal responsibility. His hard work and dedication delivered impressive performances and positioned UTA Athletics for continued success. Jim’s retirement takes effect on Sept. 1, 2022, and he will be missed tremendously. The transition to his successor will be announced as soon as it is finalized.

Please join me in congratulating Jim and offering him our best wishes in retirement.